National Nursing Assistants Week 2017

06/14/2017

At VITAS Healthcare, every interdisciplinary care team includes a physician, nurse, social worker, chaplain, volunteer and hospice aide. These healthcare professionals work in harmony to bring individualized care to patients near the end of life. As part of an interdisciplinary care team, hospice aides have the most frequent interactions with patients, caring for their essential needs, and developing strong relationships with the families.

Making the Biggest Contribution

“The biggest contribution comes from the certified nurse’s aide, called a hospice aide,"" says Muhammed N. Longi, MD, VITAS physician. ""I can tell instantly if a patient is being cared for by a VITAS hospice aide: the hair is done, skin is glistening, there is a clean dress or shirt, the face is beaming, the sheets are fresh. The CNA is there four times a week. I see the patient for admission, for recertification and to address any medical concerns.""

Celebrating Hospice Aides

VITAS hospice aides provide hands-on care for end-of-life patients, working in conjunction with other members of the team to meet unique needs of each patient. Because of their regular involvement with the patient and family, hospice aides are in a position to understand patients’ needs and wishes and communicate with doctors, nurses, social workers and chaplains to ensure the highest level of care possible.

VITAS Healthcare recognizes the importance of hospice aides daily, but National Nursing Assistants Week 2017, June 15–22, is a great opportunity to celebrate these dedicated professionals for all the good that they do for their hospice team, for families and, most importantly, for patients.

Thank a hospice aide today!